KIPO is one of the external offices of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy which handles Industrial property - patents, utility models, trademarks, and industrial designs.

KIPO is composed of seven bureaus, two boards, and a suborganization - the International Intellectual Property Training Institute (IIPTI).

Patent and utility model applications are examined at Examination Bureau's II, III, IV. Each examination bureau consists of six to eight divisions consisting of a supervisory examiner (Director) and 7 to 11 examiners. There are about 214 examiners who are authorized by law to examine patents and utility models.

Trademark and industrial design applications are examined at the 1st Examination Bureau which includes three trademark examination divisions, and three design examination divisions. About 62 examiners are authorized by law to examine trademarks and industrial designs.

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